Former residents of a children’s home in Norfolk are pursuing legal action against the county council and other local authorities over claims of historical physical and sexual abuse.
Hundreds of vulnerable children were placed at the Red House in Buxton from 1984 until its closure by the Charity Commission in 1998.
Concerns over mistreatment first surfaced in 1989, when children staged a riot to draw attention to their suffering.
A year later, the Social Services Inspectorate reported allegations of sexual assault, physical abuse, and even gang rape, according to Sky News.
A 1994 report by Norfolk County Council also raised alarm over suspected abuse within the home.
A spokesperson for the county council stated: “The allegations made by former pupils of the independent Small School at Red House are deeply troubling.”
“We have fully cooperated with investigations, which concern children placed there by other local authorities over 30 years ago. Our thoughts remain with all survivors of abuse. However, as legal proceedings are ongoing, we are unable to comment further at this time.”
This case highlights long-standing concerns about historical child abuse in care homes, with victims now seeking justice after decades of alleged institutional failings.
